Page 40 of Tight End

She loves me. She loves her grandson. But she needs to let us flourish.

“Thanks, Mom.” I push up from the chair and start to leave her office, but about halfway there, I turn back around. “Thanks for always being there for me.”

She doesn’t say anything for several beats, but it’s clear from her unguarded expression, I’ve surprised her. “Yeah.” She clears her throat. “It’s what I’m here for.”

With a nod, I head out of her office, feeling so much better about my day. I can’t wait to text the girls, or rather the football daddy chat—insert eye roll here—and tell them how well Mom took the news.

And I’m about to when?—

“Hey there, June.”

“Michael.” I greet him with a smile and a shy wave. “How are you?”

“Better now.” His smile nearly takes up his whole face, but sadly he doesn’t have any dimples. He does, however, have a law degree and is a junior partner here. I try not to hold it against him, because he really is a genuinely nice guy. “What about you?”

“Not too bad. Was about to take my lunch break, though. What can I do for you?”

He glances to the ground, shifting on his feet, his hands fiddling with his tie. When he meets my eyes with his dark-blue ones, I can’t help but compare them to Ryan’s. They’re not as vibrant, not as stormy, not asmesmerizing.

Wait—mesmerizing?

That can’t be right.

“I was kinda hoping you’d let me take you out on a date sometime soon.”

My eyes widen, and my spit clogs my throat momentarily. Well, that was unexpected. He’s flirted with me on occasion, but never in the time we’ve worked together has he given me any indication he’s interested in me.

I should be happy, right?

He’s the kind of guy I should be going for, but when I look at him, nothing. There are no butterflies in my stomach. No zip. No zing. He’s attractive, sure, but in a well-groomed way. His blond hair is perfectly coiffed, brushed back and styled with a fair amount of gel, his square jaw smoothly shaved. He’s completely put together where Ryan is rugged.

Even when I saw pictures of Ryan online wearing a suit, he didn’t look so perfectly composed.

I’d have never thought I’d find that attractive, but I do. Michael could use a little dirt, a little scruff on his chin.

Something must be wrong with me.

“I, uhhh ...” I’m not really sure what to say, how to let him down.

Until I remember Poppy’s promise. She’ll get off my back if I go on one date, and going out with Michael would be safe, easy. He’s nice, and there is zero attraction there, giving him no chance of actually hurting me. And hey, if my mom found out I went out with him and really gave it an honest try and it didn’t work out ... she may give me some more breathing room.

Still. The thought of going out with someone doesn’t sit right, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. It can’t be Ryan, right?

We’re temporary roommates. He’s the father of my child, and nothing more.

He’s attractive, I can admit that, but it’s fleeting. Sooner or later it will pass and I’ll be able to look at him without my heartbeat increasing and my stomach flopping around.

Maybe going out with Michael will help mitigate those feelings. Maybe it’ll help me push him from my mind, because lusting after someone who has a girlfriend is unhealthy.

This could work.

You know, a date may be exactly what I need to get him out of my head for good.

“Actually Michael, a date sounds nice.” I snag my phone, unlocking it, and hand it over. “Why don’t you give me your number and we can figure out a day that works.”

Those eyes that just don’t compare light up as he takes my phone. “I’ve got the perfect restaurant in mind. You’re not allergic to seafood, are you?”

“Nope.”

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